There is Life after High School: The Pathway to Adult Status

With humor and compassion Dr. Tom Pomeranz shares with participants how they can effectively prepare and support their family member with developmental disabilities for the world of adulthood.

Tom brings home the point that without a presence there is no future. Simply stated, individuals with developmental disabilities must be encouraged and supported to participate in all aspects of their lives to prepare for life as an adult. The family’s role and responsibility in supporting their son or daughter in all aspects of their lives paves the way for successful transition to becoming an adult. The four supported routines outcomes – facilitation connections, maximizing independence, enhancing self-worth and producing self determined adults will be discussed.

Additionally, Tom will explain the maxim “an adult is determined by virtue of age and not competence”. Participants will be given a variety of effective strategies to fulfill this maxim. Tom will focus on the critical importance of utilizing age appropriate touch and voice intonation, avoiding talking about individuals in front of them, avoiding providing physical assistance without permission, and many more tools that help assure that individuals with developmental disabilities receive, as well as give to others, dignity and respect.

All of us, regardless of our age, physical and intellectual status learn what we live. Individuals with developmental disabilities cannot have a meaningful life unless they fully participate in it.

This session is intended for families, parents, adult siblings, Extended Family Homes. Adult Foster Care and all others involved in the transition to becoming an adult for individuals with special needs of all ages both pre and post high school graduation. ﻿

He helped me see the vital role a parent plays in developing confidence and dignity for my child. Grandparent, Lanterman Regional Center, Los Angeles, CA